Emirates to Run Limited Repatriation Flights From Dubai as Regular Services Stay Suspended

Dubai’s aviation sector is facing another temporary disruption, and travellers across the UAE are being urged to stay alert.

Emirates has confirmed that all scheduled flights to and from Dubai are currently suspended until 11:59pm GST on Saturday, March 7. However, the airline will operate a limited number of repatriation flights from Dubai International Airport (DXB) during this period to help stranded passengers return home.

The update comes as airspace closures across parts of the region continue to affect flight routes and airline operations, forcing carriers to adjust schedules quickly.

For now, the key message from Emirates is simple: only passengers who are directly contacted by the airline should travel to the airport.

As limited flight operations resume at DXB and DWC, here are answers to some common questions we’re receiving ?

1?? Should I travel to the airport if my airline has not confirmed my flight?
? No. If your airline has not confirmed your flight is operating, please do not travel…

— DXB (@DXB) March 3, 2026

Emirates operating limited repatriation flights from DXB

While most services remain grounded, Emirates says it is arranging special repatriation flights from Dubai for passengers who urgently need to travel.

These flights are not open for public booking. Instead, Emirates will contact selected passengers directly, prioritising those who had earlier confirmed bookings before the disruption.

For travellers hoping to leave the UAE soon, this means waiting for an official email or message from the airline confirming a seat and departure time.

Dubai International Airport is still operational, but the number of flights departing is currently very limited compared to normal operations.

Airlines are carefully coordinating routes as regional airspace restrictions continue to shift.

Regular Emirates flights expected to resume on March 8

The suspension means all scheduled Emirates flights remain paused until late Saturday night.

In practical terms, normal flight operations are expected to resume from Sunday, March 8, provided regional airspace conditions improve.

The airline said the decision was necessary following wider airspace closures across parts of the Middle East, which forced carriers to either reroute flights or temporarily suspend operations.

Even during the suspension, Emirates continues to operate cargo and a small number of repatriation services to support essential travel and logistics.

Passengers who already had confirmed bookings before the disruption will receive priority for available seats on these limited flights.

Passengers advised not to travel to DXB unless contacted

If you’re scheduled to fly with Emirates soon, the airline is urging travellers to avoid heading to Dubai International Airport unless they have been directly contacted.

Turning up at the airport without confirmation could lead to unnecessary congestion and confusion, especially while operations remain restricted.

Instead, passengers should:

• Check their email regularly for updates from Emirates
• Monitor the latest flight status online
• Wait for direct confirmation from the airline before travelling to the airport

The situation remains fluid, and Emirates says it is continuously reviewing schedules based on regional aviation developments.

Rebooking and refund options available for affected travellers

Passengers whose flights were cancelled during the suspension period still have several options.

Emirates is allowing travellers to rebook their tickets on alternate flights to their original destination up to March 27, depending on availability.

Those who booked directly with Emirates can manage their bookings through the airline’s official platforms. Passengers who used travel agents are advised to contact them for assistance.

Alternatively, travellers whose bookings were scheduled on or before March 12 can request a refund.

The airline says it is working to support passengers during the disruption while prioritising safety and operational stability.

flydubai resumes limited operations from Dubai

Meanwhile, Dubai-based carrier flydubai has begun partially resuming operations from Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport.

The airline confirmed that some scheduled flights restarted on Thursday, March 5, although several destinations remain affected by ongoing airspace restrictions.

Passengers travelling with flydubai are encouraged to check their flight status before heading to the airport, as some routes may experience longer travel times due to temporary rerouting.

Despite the disruption, airlines say passenger safety remains the top priority as aviation authorities across the region monitor the situation.

Impact on residents in Dubai

For many Dubai residents and visitors, the sudden changes highlight how quickly regional developments can impact travel plans.

Dubai International Airport is one of the world’s busiest global hubs, and even short disruptions can affect thousands of passengers across multiple continents.

For now, travellers are advised to stay updated, check their airline notifications regularly, and avoid unnecessary trips to the airport unless instructed by their airline.

While Emirates’ regular flight schedule remains paused for now, limited repatriation flights from Dubai are helping some passengers return home during the disruption.

Travellers should remain patient, keep an eye on official updates, and wait for direct confirmation from airlines before heading to the airport.

Follow Social Kandura for more updates on local news and things to do in Dubai and across the UAE.

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